I am 40 years old, and just had my lower first molar tooth extracted. What would happen if I just left the space?
Ans: The loss of a back tooth can affect your dental health, your physical appearance and the way you chew, speak, sing and smile. When a tooth is lost, the adjacent teeth may tilt towards that empty space, or the teeth in the opposing jaw may drift up or down towards that space. Tipped teeth are more difficult to maintain, and are therefore more prone to decay. In addition, the surrounding bone and gum tissues may break down, resulting in an increased risk for gum disease. You may find yourself favoring the opposite side of your mouth when you chew, causing additional stress to your teeth and gum tissues.
